AMIDE DERIVATIVES AS 5HT1D RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS

Abstract: Novel amide derivatives, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them.

Description: AMIDE DERIVATIVES AS 5HT1D RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS The present invention relates to novel amide derivatives, processes for their preparation, and pharmaceutical compositions containing them. EPA 0 533 266n/8 disclose a series of benzanilide derivatives which are said to possess SHT1D receptor antagonist activity. These compounds are alleged to be of use in the treatment of various CNS disorders. A structurally distinct class of compounds have now been discovered and have been found to exhibit 5HT1D antagonist activity. In a first aspect, the present invention therefore provides a compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof: EMI1.1 in which P is a phenyl or a 5 or Smembered heterocyclic ring containing 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur, R1 is halogen, Cl,galkvl, C1-6cycloalkyl, optionally substituted phenyl or an optionally substituted 5-7-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur, R2 is hydrogen, halogen, Cl 6alkyl, Cl 6alkoxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl or cyano; R3 is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, Cm 6alkyl or C1.6alkoxy; ; R4 is hydrogen or Cl 6alkyl; and n is 1 or 2, provided that when P is phenyl R1 is not pyridyl or phenyl. Cm 6alkyl groups, whether alone or as part of another group, may be straight chain or branched. Suitably P is a phenyl or a 5 or 6-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur. Examples of rings P include pyridyl, thienyl, furyl and pyrrolyl rings. Preferably P is phenyl, thienyl, furyl or pyridyl. Suitably R1 is halogen, Cl 6alkyl, Cl 6cycloalkyl, optionally substituted phenyl or an optionally substituted 5-7-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur. The group R1 can be an aromatic or saturated heterocyclic ring. When R1 is an aromatic heterocyclic ring, examples of such rings include pyridyl, thienyl, furyl, pyrrolyl, oxadiazolyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, diazolyl, isothiazolyl, isoxazolyl, thiadiazolyl, pyrimidyl and pyrazinyl. When R1 is a saturated ring examples include piperidine, morpholine and piperazine rings. Optional substituents for R1 include halogen, Cl 6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, amino, Co2R5 where R5 is hydrogen or C1-6alkyl or CONR6R7 where R6 and R7 are independently hydrogen or 6alkyl. Preferably R1 is halogen, butyl, cyclohexyl, pyridyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, imidazolyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl or thienyl. Suitably R2 is hydrogen, halogen, Cl 6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy or nitro. Preferably R2 is hydrogen, C1-6 6alkoxy, for example methoxy, C16alkyl, for example methyl, or nitro. Suitably R3 is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, C16a1kyl or 6alkoxy. Preferably R3 is C1- 6alkoxy such as methoxy. Preferably n is 1 and the group R3 is para to the amide linkage. Suitably R4 is hydrogen or C16a1kyl. Preferably R4 is C1-6alkyl such as methyl. Particularly preferred compounds include: N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)furan-2-carboxamide, N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1 -piperazinyl)phenyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)furan-3-carboxamide, N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-5-(Spyridyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide, N-(4-methoxy-3-(methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-(4-pyridyl)pyridine-5-carboxamide, N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-(4-pyridyl)-3-methoxythiophene-4carboxamide, N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-5-(2-pyridyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-( 1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) benzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-(imidazol- l-yl) benzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)4(morpholin-1-yl) benzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-(3-thiophenyl)-3-methylbenzamide, N-(4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl)4- (1,2,4-triazol-l -yl)-3-nitrobenzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-3-nitro-4-pyrazolylbenzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-(4-ethoxycarbonylpiperazin- 1yl)benzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1 -piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-fluorobenzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-chlorobenzamide, N-(Methoxy-3-(methyl- 1 -piperayl)phenyl)4iodobenzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-cyclohexylbenzamide, <RTI ID=3.2> N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-tert-butylbenzamide, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Preferred salts of the compounds of formula (I) are pharmaceutically acceptable salts. These include acid addition salts such as hydrochlorides, hydrobromides, phosphates, acetates, fumarates, maleates, tartrates, citrates, oxalates, methanesulphonates and p-toluenesulphonates. Certain compounds of formula (1) are capable of existing in steroisomeric forms. It will be understood that the invention encompasses all geometric and optical isomers of the compounds of formula (I) and the mixtures thereof including racemates. Tautomers of compounds of formula (I) and mixtures thereof also form an aspect of the invention. In a further aspect the present invention provides a process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) which comprises. (a) reaction of a compound of formula (II): EMI3.1 in which R1, R2 and P are as defined in formula (I) and L is a leaving group, with a compound of formula (In): EMI3.2 in which R3, R4 and n are as defined in formula (I); (b) for compounds of formula (I) in which R1 is a phenyl or heterocyclic ring reaction of a compound of formula (IV): EMI4.1 in which R2, R3, R4, P and n are as defined in formula (I) and X is a leaving group with a nucleophile R1 where R1 is as defined in formula (I); or (c) reaction of a compound of formula (V): EMI4.2 in which R1, R2, R3, P and n are as defined in formula (I) with a compound of formula (VI): R4N(CH2CH2Hal)2 (VI) in which R4 is as defined in formula (I) and Hal is halogen, or (d) reaction of a compound of formula (VII): EMI4.3 in which R2, R3, R4, P and n are as defined in formula (I) and Y is halogen or a group -OS02CF3 with a compound of formula (Vm): R1B(OH)2 (vim) in which R1 is as defined in formula (I), or (e) reaction of a compound of formula cox): EMI5.1 (IX) in which R2, R3, R4, P and n are as defined in formula (I) with a compound of formula (x): : R1Y (X) in which R1 is as defined in formula a) and Y is as defined in formula (VII), and optionally thereafter: converting a compound of formula (1)into another compound of formula (I) forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. Suitable activated carboxylic acid derivatives of formula aI) include acyl halides and acid anhydrides. Activated compounds of formula (II) can also be prepared by reaction of the corresponding carboxylic acid with a coupling reagent such as carbonyldiimidazole, dicyclohexylcarbodiimide or diphenylphosphorylazole. Preferably the group L is halo, particularly chloro. A compound of formula (U) is typically reacted with a compound of formula (III) in an inert organic solvent such as DMF, ThF or dichloromethane at ambient or elevated temperature in the presence of a base such as triethylamine or pyridine. Compounds of formula ('I) can be prepared from a compound of formula (XI): EMI6.1 in which R1, R2 and P are as defined in formula (I) using standard procedures. For example acid chlorides can be prepared by reaction with phosphorous pentachloride, oxalyl chloride or thionyl chloride. Acid anhydrides can be prepared by reaction with a suitable acid anhydride, for example trifluoroacetic anhydride. Reaction of a compound of formula aV) with a nuclephile R1 is preferably carried out in a suitable solvent such as dimethylformamide in the presence of a strong base such as sodium hydride. Preferably the leaving group X is halo, in particular fluoro. Preferably the group R2 is an electron withdrawing group, for example nitro, COCH3 or cyano, in the ortho or para-positions relative to the group X. Reaction of a compound of formula (V) with a compound of formula (VI) is suitably carried out in an alcohol or nitrile solvent with an optional base or, alternatively, in a non-polar solvent such as chlorobenzene in the absence of base. Suitably, the reactions are carried out at ambient or elevated temperature, preferably at the reflux temperature of the reaction mixture. Reaction of compounds of formula (VII) and (Vm) and reaction of compounds of formulae (IX) and (X) can be carried out in the presence of a transition metal catalyst such as Pd(PPh3)4 in a solvent such as an ether in the presence of a base such as an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate, for example sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, at ambient or elevated temperature. Certain compounds of formula a) can be converted into further compounds of formula (I) using standard procedures. For example R2/R3 halogens can be introduced by halogenation. Intermediate compounds of formulae (m), (it), (V), ) (VII), (VIII), (DC), (x) and (XI) are commercially available or can be prepared using standard procedures such as those outlined in EPA 533266t7/8. Certain compounds of formulae (IV), (V), (V) and (IX) are novel and form a further aspect of the invention. It will be appreciated to those skilled in the art that it may be necessary to protect certain reactive substituents during some of the above procedures, for example when the group R4 is a hydrogen atom. Standard protection and deprotection techniques can be used. For example, primary amines can be protected as phthalimide, benzyl, benzyloxycarbonyl or trityl derivatives. These groups can be removed by conventional procedures. Carboxylic acid groups can be protected as esters. Aldehyde or ketone groups can ix protected as acetals, ketals, thioacetals or thioketals. Deprotection is achieved using standard conditions. SHT1D Antagonists, and in particular the compounds of the present invention, are expected to be of use in the treatment of CNS disorders such as mood disorders, including depression, seasonal effective disorder and dysthymia; anxiety disorders, including generalised anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social phobia, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder, memory disorders, including dementia, amnestic disorders and age-associated memory impairment; and disorders of eating behaviours, including anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. Other CNS disorders include Parkinson's disease, dementia in Parkinson's disease, neuroleptic-induced Parkinsonism and tardive dyskinesias, as well as other psychiatric disorders. SHT1D Antagonists, and in particular compounds of the present invention, may also be of use in the treatment of endocrine disorders such as hyperprolactinaemia, in the treatment of vasospasm (particularly in the cerebral vasculature) and hypertension, as well as disorders in the gastrointenstinal tract where changes in motility and secretion are involved. They may also be of use in the treatment of sexual dysfunction. Therefore, the present invention, provides a compound of general formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for use in therapy. The present invention also provides a compound of general formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for use in the treatment of the aforementioned disorders. In another aspect the invention provdes the use of a compound of general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of the aforementioned disorders. In a further aspect the invention provides a method of treating the aforementioned disorders which comprises administering an effective amount to a patient in need of such treatment of a compound of general formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. In particular the invention provides a compound of general formula (I) or a physiologically acceptable salt or solvate thereof for use in the treatment or prophylaxis of depression. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the compounds according to the invention may advantageously be used in conjunction with one or more other therapeutic agents, for instance, different antidepressant agents. The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition, which comprises a compound of formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A pharmaceutical composition of the invention, which may be prepared by admixture, suitably at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure, is usually adapted for oral, parenteral or rectal administration and, as such, may be in the form of tablets, capsules, oral liquid preparations, powders, granules, lozenges, reconstitutable powders, injectable or infusible solutions or suspensions or suppositories. Orally administrable compositions are generally preferred. Tablets and capsules for oral administration may be in unit dose form, and may contain conventional excipients, such as binding agents, fillers, tabletting lubricants, disintegrants and acceptable wetting agents. The tablets may be coated according to methods well known in normal pharmaceutical practice. Oral liquid preparations may be in the form of, for example, aqueous or oily suspension, solutions, emulsions, syrups or elixirs, or may be in the form of a dry product for reconstitution with water or other suitable vehicle before use. Such liquid preparations may contain conventional additives such as suspending agents, emulsifying agents, non-aqueous vehicles (which may include edible oils), preservatives, and, if desired, conventional flavourings or colorants. For parenteral administration, fluid unit dosage forms are prepared utilising a compound of the invention or pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof and a sterile vehicle. The compound, depending on the vehicle and concentration used, can be either suspended or dissolved in the vehicle. In preparing solutions, the compound can be dissolved for injection and filter sterilised before filling into a suitable vial or ampoule and sealing. Advantageously, adjuvants such as a local anaesthetic, preservatives and buffering agents are dissolved in the vehicle. To enhance the stability, the composition can be frozen after filling into the vial and the water removed under vacuum. Parenteral suspensions are prepared in substantially the same manner, except that the compound is suspended in the vehicle instead of being dissolved, and sterilisation cannot be accomplished by filtration. The compound can be sterilised by exposure to ethylene oxide before suspension in a sterile vehicle. Advantageously, a surfactant or wetting agent is included in the composition to facilitate uniform distribution of the compound. The composition may contain from 0.1% to 99% by weight, preferably from 10 to 60% by weight, of the active material, depending on the method of administration. The dose of the compound used in the treatment of the aforementioned disorders will vary in the usual way with the seriousness of the disorders, the weight of the sufferer, and other similar factors. However, as a general guide suitable unit doses may be 0.05 to 1000 mg, more suitably 1.0 to 200 mg, and such unit doses may be administered more than once a day, for example two or three a day. Such therapy may extend for a number of weeks or months. When administered in accordance with the invention, no unacceptable toxicological effects are expected with the compounds of the invention. The following Examples illustrate the preparation of pharmacologically active compounds of the invention. Description 1 2-Bromo-5-pyridinecarboxylic acid 2,5-dibromopyridine (1.Og;4.22mmo1) was cooled to -780C in dry Et20 (lOml) under Ar and treated with nBuLi (2.64m1;4.22mmol of a 1.6M solution in hexanes) rapidly, stirred for 5 minutes and treated with solid C02. Allowed to warm to RT, treated with H20 (lOml) and the aqueous layer separated then washed with Et2O. The aqueous phase was acidified with conc.HCl(aq) and the precipitate that formed was collected by filtration and dried in vacuo to yield the title compound as a pale yellow solid (0.35g;41%). 1 NMR (250MHz, CDCl3) b: 8.90(d,1H), 8.20(d,1H), 7.65(d,1H) Description 2 5-Bromo-2-thiophenecarboxylic acid 5-BromcF2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde (l.Og;5.24mmol) was dissolved in acetone (4ml) and treated with 20%Na2C03(aq) (0.53ml). KMnO4 (0.827;5.24mmol) was added portionwise and the solution stirred for 1 hour at RT. The reaction mixture was filtered through kieselguhr and the filtrate treated with H2O2 (0.8ml of a 27% solution in water). When all effervesence had ceased, the aqueous was acidified with conc.HCl(aq) and a yellow solid precipitated. The suspension was extracted with EtOAc, the extracts combined and dried over Na2S04, filtered, and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a yellow liquid. The liquid was diluted with hexane and cooled to -780C. The solid that formed was collected by filtration and dried to yield the title compound as a pale yellow solid (0.3g;28%). 1H NMR (250MHz, CDC13) 6: 7.65(d,1H), 7.15(d,1H) Description 3 5-Bromo-N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]furan-2-carboxamide 5-Bromofuroic acid (0.432;2.26mmol) was heated at reflux in thionyl chloride (10ml) for 30 minutes, cooled, evaporated in vacuo and the residue azeotroped with toluene. The residue was redissolved in CH2Cl2 (lOml) and treated with dry triethylamine (0.32m1;2.26mmol) and 4-methoxy-3-(4-methy1- 1 -piperazinyl)benzenamine (0.5g;2.26mmol). The solution was stirred under Ar (18 hours), evaporated in vacuo and partitioned satd. K2C03(aq) / EtOAc. The organic phases were combined, dried over Na2S04, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a brown gum. The gum l- as purified by flash silica-gel chromatography and eluted with 2%MeOE. nHC13 to yield the title compound as a pale yellow foam (0.77g;86%), which was converted to the oxalate salt, mp=125-1270C. 1H NMR (250MHz, CDC13) (free base) 6: 7.90(s, 1H), 7.40-7.15(m,3H), 6.85(d,1H), 6.50(d, 1H), 3.90(s,3H), 3.25-3.05(m,4H), 2.70-2.50(m,4H), 2.40(s,3H) Description 4 5-Bromo-N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]furan-3-carboxamide 5-Bromo-3-furancarboxylic acid (0.302;1.58mmol) was heated atreflux in thionyl chloride (8ml) for 30 minutes, cooled, evaporated in vacuo and the residue azeotroped with toluene. The residue was redissolved in CH2C12 (lOml) and treated with dry triethylamine (0.22ml; 1 .58mmol) and 4-methoxy-3-(4methyl- 1 -pipera:inyl)benzenamine (0.35g;1.58mmol). The solution was stirred under Ar (18 hours), evaporated in vacuo and partitioned satd. K2CO3(aq) / EtOAc. The organic phases were combined, dried over Na2S04, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a brown gum. The gum was purified by flash silica-gel chromatography and eluted with 3%MeOH/CHC13 to yield the title compound as a tan solid after trituration with Et2O (0.3g;48%), mp=185-1870C. 1H NMR (250MHz, CDC13) (free base) o: 8.85(s,1H), 8.20(s,1H), 7.40(d,1H), 7.15(s,1H), 7.40(s,1H), 6.70(d,1H), 3.80(s,3H), 3.20-2.90(m,4H), 2.80-2.60(m,4H), 2.40(s,3H) Description 5 5-Bromo-N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]thiophene-2-carboxamide 5-Bromo-2-thiophenecarboxylic acid (0.375;1.81mmol) was heated at reflux in thionyl chloride (8ml) for 30 minutes, cooled, evaporated in vacuo and the residue azeotroped with toluene. The residue was redissolved in CH2Cl2 (10ml) and treated with dry triethylamine (0.25ml; 1.81 mmol) and 4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)benzenamine (0.4g; 1.81mmol). The solution was stirred under Ar (d 8 hours), evaporated in vacuo and partitioned satd. K2C03(aq) / EtOAc. The organic phases were combined, dried over Na2S04, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a brown gum. The gum was purified by flash silica-gel chromatography and eluted with 3%MeOHJCHC13 to yield the title compound as a brown gum which crystallised on standing (0.388g;52%), and was converted to the oxalate salt, mp=114-1150C. 1H NMR (250MHz, CDC13) (free base) o: 8.60(s,1H), 7.70(d,lH), 7.50(d,lH), 7.20(s,lH), 7. 10(d, iH), 6.80(d,lH), 3.80(s,3H), 3.30-2.75(m,8H), 2.55(s,3H) Description 6 2-Bromo-N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenylopyridine-5-carboxamide 2-Bromos-pyridinecarboxylic acid (0.34g; 1.68mmol) was heated at reflux in thionyl chloride (8ml) for 1 hour, cooled, evaporated in vacuo and the residue azeotroped with toluene. The orange residue was redissolved in CH2C12 (6ml) and treated with dry triethylamine (0.24ml;1.68mmol) and 4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)benzenamine (0.372g;1.68mmol). The solution was stirred under Ar (18 hours), evaporated in vacuo and partitioned satd. K2CO3(aq) / EtOAc. The organic phases were combined, dried over Na2S04, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a brown gum. The gum was purified by flash silica-gel chromatography and eluted with 3%MeOHlCHCl3 to yield the title compound as brown crystals after trituration with acetone /Et2O (0.13g;19%). 1H NMR (200MHz, CDC13) 5 : 9.90(s,1H), 9.00(d,1H), 8.30(d,1H), 7.50-7.30(m,3H), 6.80(d,lH), 3.85(s,3H), 3.30-3.00(m,4H), 2.80-2.65(m,4H), 2.40(s,3H) Description 7 2-Bromo-N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-3-methoxythiophene-4- carboxamide 2-Bromo-3-methoxythiopheneXcarboxylic acid (0.429g;1.8lmmol) was heated at reflux in thionyl chloride (8ml) for 1 hour, cooled, evaporated in vacuo and the residue azeotroped with toluene. The orange residue was redissolved in CH2C12 (5ml) and treated with dry triethylamine (0.25ml;1.81mmol) and 4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1- piperazinyl)benzenamine (0.4g;1.81mmol). The solution was stirred under Ar (18 hours), evaporated in vacuo and partitioned satd. K2C03(aq) / EtOAc. The organic phases were combined, dried over Na2S04, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a brown gum. The gum was purified by flash silica-gel chromatography and eluted with 2%MeOH/CHC13 to yield the title compound as white powder after trituration with Et2O (0.43g;54%), mp=120 1 220C. 1H NMR (250MHz, CDCl3) #:9.10(s,1H), 8.10(s,1H), 7.30(d,1H), 7.20(d,1H), 6.80(d,lH), 4.10(s,3H), 3.90(s,3H), 3.25-3.10(m,4H), 2.75-2.60(m,4H), 2.40(s,3H) Description 8 Ethyl 4-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)benzoate 1,2,4-Triazole (0.82g, O.Olmol), ethyl 4-fluorobenwate (2g, O.Olmol) and anhydrous potassium carbonate (1.43g, 0.01 imol) was dissolved in DMSO (30ml) and heated to 900C for 18h. The solution was poured into water (50ml), extracted with ethyl acetate (50ml), dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. the white solid was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, diethyl ether) to afford a white solid (1.59g, 73%). 1H NMR (CDCl3) 5 1.43 (3H, t), 4.42 (2H, q), 7.81 (2H, d), 8.15 (1H, s), 8.21 (2H, d), 8.68 (1H, s). Description 9 Ethyl 4-(imidazol.1.yl)benzoate Imidazole (0.816g, 0.01 imol), ethyl 4-fluorobenzoate (2g, O.Olmol) and anhydrous potassium carbonate (1.43g, 0.Ollmol) was dissolved in DMSO (30ml) and heated to 90 C for 18h. The solution was poured into water (50ml), extracted with ethyl acetate (50ml), dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. the white solid was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, diethyl ether) to afford a white solid (1.22g, 56%). 1H NMR (CDC13) 6: 1.43 (3H, t), 4.42 (2H, q), 7.28 (1H, s), 7.38 (1H, s), 7.48 (2H, d), 7.95 (1H, s), 8.19 (2H, d). Description 10 Ethyl 4-(morpholin-1-yl)benzoate Morpholine (1.04ml, 0.011mol), ethyl 4-fluorobenzoate (2g, O.Olmol) and anhydrous potassium carbonate (1.43g, 0.01 lmol) was dissolved in DMSO (30ml) and heated to 900C for 18h. The solution was poured into water (50ml), extracted with ethyl acetate (SOml), dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. the white solid was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, diethyl ether) to afford a white solid (1.39g, 59%). 1H NMR (CDC13) 5:1.43 (3H, t), 3.24 (4H, q), 3.72 (4H, q), 4.42 (2H, q), 7.00 (2H, d), 7.78 (2H, d). Description 11 Ethyl 4-(4-ethoxycarbonylpiperazin-1-yl)benzoate Ethyl 4fluorobenwate (0.93ml, 6.3mmol), anhydrous potassium carbonate (0.96g, 7.0mmol), ethoxycarbonyl piperazine (0.92ml, 6.3mmol)and dry DMSO (30ml) were heated under dry conditions at 900C for 72h. The mixture was partitioned between ethyl acetate and water, dried (sodium sulphate) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The product was purified by flash column chromatography on silica eluting with 10%MeOH/chloroform to afford the title compound as an oil (1.35g, 70%). 1H NMR (CDC13) 1.29 (3H, t), 1.38 (3H, t), 3.32 (4H, m), 3.64 (4H, m), 4.19 (2H, q), 4.33 (2H, q), 6.87 (2H, d), 7.95 (2H, d). Example 1 N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) benzamide Ethyl 4-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)benzoate (520mg, 2.4mmol) was heated at reflux in 5N HCl (40ml) for lh, and the product filtered off and dried in vacuo to afford the acid (88%). 4 (1,2,triazol-1-yl)benzoic acid (0.395g, 2.immol) was suspended in dry toluene (40ml) and thionyl chloride (2ml) added under argon. The mixture was heated to reflux for 1.5h and then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure.the oil was dissolved in dichloromethane under argon and 4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenylamine (460mg, 2.lmmol) was added followed by triethylamine (2ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature under argon for 2h and then partitioned between dichloromethane (50ml) and saturated potassium carbonate (50ml), and the organic extracts dried (sodium sulphate). The organic solution was filtered, evaporated to dryness under reduced pressureand purified by column chromatography (silica, chloroform/methanol 5-10%) to afford the amide (757mg, 92%) which was crystallised from methanol diethyl ether as the oxalate salt. 1H NMR (CDCl3) (free base) 6: 2.38 (3H, s ), 2.65 (4H, bm), 3.13 (4H, bm), 3.89 (3H, s), 6.88 (1H, d), 7.22 (1H, s), 7.74 (1H, s), 7.84 (2H, d), 8.03 (2H, d), 8.18 (1H, s), 8.68 (1H, s). Example 2 N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-(imidazol-1-yl) benzamide Ethyl 4-(imidazol-1-yl)benzoate (0.5g, 2.3 mmol) was heated at reflux in 5N HCI (40ml) for lh, evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure and the resulting white solid dried in vacuo to afford 4-(imidazol-1-yl)benzoic acid. This was suspended in dry toluene (40ml) and thionyl chloride (2ml) added under argon. The mixture was heated to reflux for 1.5h and then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure.the oil was dissolved in dichloromethane under argon and 4methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-pipera:nyl)phenylamine (551mg, 2.3mmol) was added followed by triethylamine (2ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature under argon for 2h and then partitioned between dichloromethane (50ml) and saturated potassium carbonate (50ml), and the organic extracts dried (sodium sulphate). The organic solution was filtered, evaporated to dryness under reduced pressureand purified by column chromatography (silica, chloroform/methanol 5-10%) to afford the amide (809mg, 90%) which was crystallised from methanol diethyl ether as the oxalate salt. 1H NMR (CDC13) (free base) b: 2.38 (3H, s ), 2.66 (4H, bm), 3.15 (4H, bm), 3.90 (3H, s), 6.87 (1H, d), 7.29 (2H, m), 7.37 (1H, s), 7.52 (2H, d), 7.86 (1H, s), 7.93 1H, s), 8.01 (2H, d). Example 3 N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-(morpholin-1-yl) benzamide Ethyl 4-(morpholin-1-yl)benzoate (564mg, 2.4mmol) was heated at reflux in 5N HCl (40ml) for lh, evaporated to dryness and dried in vacuo to afford 4-(morpholin-1- yl)benzoic acid. This was suspended in dry toluene (40ml) and thionyl chloride (2ml) added under argon. The mixture was heated to reflux for 1.5h and then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure.the oil was dissolved in dichloromethane under argon and 4methoxy-3-(4methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenylamine (530mg, 2 .4mmol) was added followed by triethylamine (2ml). The mixture was stirred at room temperature under argon for 2h and then partitioned between dichloromethane (50ml) and saturated potassium carbonate (50ml), and the organic extracts dried (sodium sulphate). The organic solution was filtered, evaporated to dryness under reduced pressureand purified by column chromatography (silica, chloroform/methanol 5-10%) to afford the amide (925mg, 94%) which was crystallised from methanol diethyl ether as the oxalate salt. 1H NMR (CDC13) (free base) 8: 2.35 (3H, s ), 2.62 (4H, bm), 3.14 (4H, bm), 3.28 (4H, m), 3.89 (7H, s and m), 6.83 (1H, d), 6.93 (2H, d), 7.22 (1H, s), 7.62 (1H, s), 7.80 (2H, d). Example 4 N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-(3-thiophényl)-3- methylbenzamide N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-bromo-3-methylbenzamide (0.35g, 0.84mmol), sodium carbonate (89mg, 0.84mmol), tetrakis (triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (49mg, 0.05 equiv), 3-thiophenyl boronic acid (115mg, 0.84mmol) in water (18ml) and DME (18ml) were heated at reflux under argon for 18h. The solution was partitioned between saturated aqueous potassium carbonate solution (50ml) and chloroform (50ml), the organic extracts dried (sodium sulphate), filtered and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The resulting oil was purified by column chromatography (silica, chloroformlmethanol 5-30%) to afford the title compound as an oil (242mg, 63%) which was crystallised as an oxalate salt from methanol chloroform. 1H NMR (D6-DMSO) 6: 2.42 (3H, s), 2.82 (3H, s), 3.32 (8H, bm, 4xCH2), 3.80 (3H, s), 6.98 (1H d), 7.32 (1H, d), 7.46 (3H, m), 7.68 (2H, m), 7.81 (1H, d), 7.90 (1H, d). Mass Spectrum M+ found 421, C24H27N302S requires 421 Analysis Found C 53.26; H 5.03; N 6.63. C24H27N302S-2C2H2 4-1-5H20 requires C 53.50; H 5.41; N 6.69. Example 5 N-(4-Methoxy.3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)A-(1,Z$-tnazol-1-yl)-3- nitrobenzamide oxalate 4-(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)-3-nitrobenzoic acid (100mg, 0.43 mmol) was suspended in dry toluene (40ml) and thionyl chloride (lml) added under argon. The mixture was heated at reflux for 1.5h and the resulting yellow solution evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The oil was dissolved in dry dichloromethane (40ml) under argon and 4methoxy-S-(4methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenylamine (94mg, 0.43mmol) was added followed by triethylamine (0.06ml). The mixture was stirred for 2h under argon, partitioned between dichloromethane and saturated aqueous potassium carbonate(50ml) and the organic extracts dried (sodium sulphate). The solution was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure and purified by column chromatography (silica, chloroformlmethanol 5-10%) to afford the amide (153mg,81%) as an oil which was crystallised from methanoUdiethyl ether as the oxalate salt, m.p. 223 - 2250C. 1H NMR (CDC13) (free base) 6 2.68 (4H, bm), 3.10 (4H, bm), 3.51 (3H, s), 3.89 (3H, s), 6.83 (1H, d), 7.18 (1H, s), 7.38 (1H, dd), 7.69 (1H, d), 8.15 (1H, d), 8.31 (1H, dd), 8.53 (2H, d), 8.90 (1H, bs, NH). Mass Spectrum M+ 437. C21H23N704 requires 437 Analysis C 52.44, H 5.11, N 18.87 C21H23N7O4.C2H2O4 requires C 52.37, H 4.78, N 18.59. Example 6 N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)furan-2-carboxamide 5-bromo-N- [4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl] furan-2-carboxamide (0.3g;0.76mmol) was stirred with 4-pyridylboronic acid (0.094g;0.76mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (0.045g;5 mol%) and anhydrous sodium carbonate (0.089g;0.84mmol) in water (14ml) and DME (14ml) and the whole heated at reflux under Ar (18 hours). The reaction mixture was poured into 10% Na2CO3(aq) (30ml) and extracted into CHCl3. The organic extracts were combined, dried over Na2S04, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a brown oil which crystallised on standing. The brown solid was purified by flash silica-gel chromatography and eluted with 38MeOH/CHC13 to yield the title compound as a lemon solid (0.22g;74%), mp=1571590C. 1H NMR (200MHz, CDC13) b: 8.70(d,2H), 8.00(s,1H), 7.60(d,2H), 7.35-7.15(m,3H), 7.00(d, 1H), 6.85(d,1H) 3.85(s,3H), 3.20-3.05(m,4H), 2.70-2.55(m,4H), 2.35(s,3H) Example 7 N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-pi perazinyl)phenyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)furan-3-carhoxamide 5-bromo-N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl]furan-3-carboxamide (0.16g;0.41mmol) was stirred with 4-pyridylboronic acid (0.050g;0.41mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (0.024g;5 mol%) and anhydrous sodium carbonate (0.047g;0.45mmol) in water (8ml) and DME (8ml) and the whole heated at reflux under Ar (18 hours). The reaction mixture was poured into 10% Na2CO3(aq) (20ml) and extracted into CHCl3. The organic extracts were combined, dried over Na2S04, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a brown gum. The gum was purified by flash silica-gel chromatography and eluted with 4%MeOHJCHC13 to yield a orange oil which was triturated with hexane/Et20. The solid that formed was collected by filtration and dried in vacuo to yield the title compound as a tan solid (0.029g;18%), mp=103-1050C. 1H NMR (250MHz, CDC13) 8: 8.65(d,2H), 8.15(s,1H), 7.65(s,1H), 7.55(d,2H), 7.357.10(m,3H), 6.85(d, 1H) 3.90(s,3H), 3.20(m,4H), 2.70-2.55(m,4H), 2.40(s,3H) Example 8 N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)thiophene-2- carboxamide 5-bromo-N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl]thiophene-2-carboxamide (0.31g;0.76mmol) was stirred with 4-pyridylboronic acid (0.093g;0.76mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (0.045g;5 mol%) and anhydrous sodium carbonate (0.089g;0.84mmol) in water (14ml) and DME (14ml) and the whole heated at reflux under Ar (18 hours). The reaction mixture was poured into 10% Na2CO3(aq) (30ml) and extracted into CHC13. The organic extracts were combined, dried over Na2S04, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a brown gum. The gum was purified by flash silica-gel chromatography and eluted with 4%MeOHlCHC13 to yield a yellow,semi-solid residue which was triturated with acetone/Et20. The solid that formed was collected by filtration and dried in vacuo to yield the title compound as a yellow solid (0.2g;65%), mp=191-1940C. 1H NMR (250MHz, CDC13) 6: 8.65(d,2H), 7.90(s,1H), 7.60(d,1H), 7.55-7.45(m,3H), 7.30-7.20(m,2H), 6.80(d, 1H), 3 .90(s,3H), 3.25-3.05(m,4H), 2.70-2.55(m,4H), 2.40(s,3H) Example 9 N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-(4-pyridyl)pyridine-5- carboxamide 2-Bromo-N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl]pyridine-5-carboxamide (0.125g;0.31mmol) was stirred with 4-pyridylboronic acid (0.038g;0.31mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (0.024g) and anhydrous sodium carbonate (0.036g;0.34mmol) in water (5ml) and DME (5ml) and the whole heated at reflux under Ar (18 hours). The reaction mixture was poured into 10% Na2CO3(aq) (20ml) and extracted into CHC13. The organic extracts were combined, dried over Na2S04, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a brown gum. The gum was purified by flash silicagel chromatography and eluted with SQMeOH/CHC13 to yield a orange/yellow gum(0.060g;48%). 1H NMR (200MHz, CDC13) 6: 9.20(s,1H), 8.75(s,2H), 8.60(s,1H), 8.35(d,1H), 8.007.85(m,3H), 7.40(d,1H), 7.25(d,1H), 6.85(d,1H), 3.85(s,3H), 3.20-3.05(m,4H), 2.752.60(m,4H), 2.40(s,3H) Example 10 N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-2-(4-pyridyl)-3-methoxythiophene- 4-carboxamide 2-Bromo-N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl] -3-methoxythiophene-4- carboxamide (0.20g;0.45mmol) was stirred with 4-pyridylboronic acid (0.056g;0.45mmol), tetrakis(triphenylphosphine)palladium(0) (0.024g) and anhydrous sodium carbonate (0.053g;0.50mmol) in water (5ml) and DME (5ml) and the whole heated at reflux under Ar (18 hours). The reaction mixture was poured into 10% Na2C03(aq) (20rnl) and extracted into CHC13. The organic extracts were combined, dried over Na2S04, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a brown gum. The gum was purified by flash silica-gel chromatography and eluted with 4%MeOH/CHC13 to yield a orange gum (0.088;44%). 1H NMR (200MHz, CDC13) 6: 9.20(s,1H), 8.70(d,2H), 8.20(s,lH), 7.60(d,2H), 7.357.20(m,2H), 6.85(d,1H), 3.90(s,3H), 3.85(s,3H), 3.25-3.10(m,4H), 2.75-2.60(m,4H), 2.40(s,3H) Example 11 N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-5-(2-pyridyl)thiophene-2- carboxamide S-(pyrid-2-yl)thiophene-2-carboxylic acid (0.279g;1.36mmol) was heated art reflux in thionyl chloride (8ml) for 1 hour, cooled, evaporated in vacuo and the residue azeotroped with toluene. The orange residue was redissolved in CH2C12 (lOml) and treated with dry triethylamine (0.1 9ml; 1 .36mmol) and 4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)benzenamine (0.3g; 1.36mmol). The solution was stirred under Ar (18 hours), evaporated in vacua and partitioned satd. K2C03(aq) / EtOAc. The organic phases were combined, dried over Na2SO4, filtered and the filtrate evaporated in vacuo to a brown gum. The gum was purified by flash silica-gel chromatography and eluted with 2%MeOH/CHCl3 to yield the title compound as a orange gum (0.37g;67%), which was converted to the oxalate salt, mp=1 3 10C(dec). 1H NMR (250MHz, CDC13) (free base) o: 8.55(d,1H), 8.45(s,1H), 7.80-7.60(m,3H), 7.55(d,1H), 7.40-7.30(m, 1H), 7.25-7.15(m,2H), 6.80(d, 1H), 3.85(s,3H), 3.20-3.00(m,4H), 2.70-2.50(m,4H), 2.35(s,3H) Example 12 N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-3-nitro-4-pyrazolylbenzamide As for Example 5 using 3-nitro-4-pyrazolylbenzoic acid (200mg, 0.86mmol), toluene (40ml), thionyl chloride (2ml), and DCM (40ml), triethylamine (2ml) and the amine (189mg, 0.85mmol). The resulting oil was purified by column chromatography (silica, chloroform/methanol 530%) to afford the title compound as an oil (371mg, 100%) which was crystallised as an oxalate salt from methanol/chloroform. 1H NMR (D6-DMSO) 2.78 (3H, s), 3.73 (8H, bm, 4xCH2), 3.81 (3H, s), 6.65 (1H m), 7.01 (1H, d), 7.41 (1H, m), 7.50 (1H, d), 7.82 (1H, m), 8.00 (1H, d), 8.37 (1H, m), 8.46 (1H, m), 8.53 (1H, m), 10.41 (1H, bs, NH).. Mass Spectrum M+ found 436 C22H24N604 requires 436 Analysis Found C 54.32; H 4.92; N 15.73. C22H24N6O4.1.1C2H2O4 requires C 54.28; H 4.90; N 15.70. Example 13 N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-(4-ethoxycarbonylpiperazin-1- yl)benzamide Ethyl 4-(4-ethoxycarbonylpiperazin-1-yl)benzoate (0.5g, 1.6mmol), conc.HCl (lOml) and 5N HCl (20ml) were heated at reflux for 45min, evaporated to dryness and dried in vacuo. The white solid was suspended in thionyl chloride (2ml) and dry toluene (40ml) and heated at reflux for lh. The brown solution was evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure and dissolved in DCM (40ml), triethylamine (3ml) and N4methoxy-3-(4- methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenylamine(360mg,1.6mmol) added. The solution was stirred for 30min, partitioned between chloroform and saturated aqueous potassium carbonate solution, the organic solutions dried (sodium sulphate) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The solid was purified by flash column chromatography using silica and eluting with chloroform/MeOH (4-105b) to afford the title compound as a solid (295mg, 38%). 1H NMR (CDCl3) 1.31 (3H, t), 2.41 (3H, s), 2.63 (4H, bs), 3.15 (4H, bs), 3.31 (4H, bm), 3.66 (4H, bm), 3.88 (3H, s), 4.19 (2H, q), 6.85 (1H, d), 6.95 (2H, d), 7.30 (1H, s), 7.65 (1H, s), 7.80 (2H, d). Mass Spectrum M+ found 481 C26H35N504 requires 481 Example 14 N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-fluorobenzamide 4-Fluorobenzoyl chloride (0.23ml, 1.95mmol) with 4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1- piperazinyl)phenylamine (4OOmg, 1.95mmol) in dry dichloromethane (40ml) and triethylamine (lml) was stirred for lh. The solution was partitioned between dichloromethane (40ml) and saturated aqueous potassium carbonate (40ml), the organic solution dried (sodium sulphate) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to afford an oil, which was purified by column chromatography (silica, chloroform,/methanol 5%) to afford the title compound (595mg, 89%) which was crystallised from methanoildiethyl ether as the oxalate salt. 1H nmr (d6-DMSO) 8 2.77 (3H, s), 3.25 (8H, bs), 3.81 (3H, s), 6.99 1H, d), 7.38 (3H, m), 7.48 (1H, d), 8.04 (2H, d), 10.12 (1H, s, NH). Mass spectrum M+ 343 C19H22N3O2 requires 343. Elemental analysis C 56.72, H 5.58, N 9.25% Cl9H22N3 2-1-2(C2H204) requires C 56.94, H 5.41, N 9.31% Example 15 N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4 methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-chlorobenzamide 4-Chlorobenzoic acid (350mg, 2.23mmol) was heated at reflux with thionyl chloride (3ml) and toluene (40ml) for 2h, and then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. 4 Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenylamine (494mg, 2.23mmol) in dry dichloromethane (40ml) was added with triethylamine (2ml) and the mixture stirred for lh. The solution was partitioned between dichloromethane (40ml) and saturated aqueous potassium carbonate (40ml), the organic solution dried (sodium sulphate) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to afford an oil, which was purified by column chromatography (silica, chloroformJmethanol 5%) to afford the title compound (774mg, 97%) which was crystallised from methanoUdiethyl ether as the oxalate salt. 1H nmr (free base) (CDCl3) 6 2.38 (3H, s), 2.64 (4H, bs), 3.14 (4H, bs), 3.89 (3H, s), 6.85 (1H, d), 7.20 (1H, s), 7.48 (1H, d), 7.68 (1H, s), 7.81 (1H, d). Example 16 N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4.methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl).4-iodobenzamide 4-Iodobenzoic acid (350mg, 1.60mmol) was heated at reflux with thionyl chloride (3ml) and toluene (40ml) for 2h, and then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. sMedhoxy-3-(4-medhyl-1-piperazinyl)phenylamine (350mg, 1.60mmol) in dry dichloromethane (40ml) was added with triethylamine (2ml) and the mixture stirred for lh. The solution was partitioned between dichloromethane (40ml) and saturated aqueous potassium carbonate (40ml), the organic solution dried (sodium sulphate) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to afford an oil, which was purified by column chromatography (silica, chloroformJmethanol 5%) to afford the title compound (649mg, 90%) which was crystallised from methanol/diethyl ether as the oxalate salt. 1H nmr (free base) (CDCl3) 5 2.38 (3H, s), 2.68 (4H, bs), 3.19 (4H, bs), 3.89 (3H, s), 6.85 (1H, d), 7.20 (1H, s), 7.60 (1H, d), 7.68 (1H, s), 7.82 (1H, d). Example 17 N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl) l-cyclohexylbenzamide 4-Cyclohexylbenzoic acid (300mg, 1.Smmol) was heated at reflux with thionyl chloride (2ml) and toluene (40ml) for 2h, and then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. 4-Methoxy-3-(4-methy1- 1 -piperazinyl)phenylamine (325mg, 1 .Smmol) in dry dichloromethane (40ml) was added with triethylamine (2ml) and the mixture stirred for lh. The solution was partitioned between dichloromethane (40ml) and saturated aqueous potassium carbonate (40ml), the organic solution dried (sodium sulphate) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to afford an oil, which was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, chloroformJmethanol 5%) to afford the title compound (561mg, 92%) which was crystallised from methanolidiethyl ether as the oxalate salt m.p. 117- 1190C. 1H nmr (d6-DMSO) 8 1.41 (5H, m), 1.78 (5H, m), 2.58 (1H, m), 2.78 (3H, s, NMe), 3.25 (8H, m), 3.78 (3H, s, OMe), 6.94 (1H, d), 7.34 (2H, d), 7.45 (2H, m), 7.85 (2H, d), 10.00 (1H, s, NH). Mass spectrum M+ 407 C25H33N302 requires 407. Elemental analysis C 64.33, H 6.88, N 8.30% Cl9H22N3 2-1-2(C2H204) requires C 64.03, H 7.11, N 8.30% Example 18 N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-tert-butylbenzamide StButylbenzoic acid (300mg, 1.7mmol) was heated at reflux with thionyl chloride (2ml) and toluene (40ml) for 2h, and then evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. s Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenylamine (370mg, 1 .6mmol) in dry dichloromethane (40ml) was added with triethylamine (2ml) and the mixture stirred for lh. The solution was partitioned between dichloromethane (40ml) and saturated aqueous potassium carbonate (40ml), the organic solution dried (sodium sulphate) and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure to afford an oil, which was purified by flash column chromatography (silica, chloroformimethanol 5%) to afford the title compound (720mg, 100%) which was crystallised from methanol/diethyl ether as the oxalate salt m.p.220- 2220C. 1H nmr (d6-DMSO) 5 1.35 (9H, s), 2.80 (3H, s), 3.23 (8H, bm), 3.80 (3H, s), 6.96 (1H, d), 7.49 (5H, m), 7.89 (2H, d), 10.04 (1H, s, NH). Mass spectrum M+ 381 C23H31N302 requires 381. Elemental analysis C 63.15, H 6.89, N 8.91% C2H31N3O2.1.1(C2H2O4) requires C 63.00, H 6.92, N 8.75%

Claims: CLAIMS: 1. A compound of formula (I) or a salt thereof: EMI25.1 in which P is a phenyl or a 5 or 6membered heterocyclic ring containing 1 or 2 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur, R1 is halogen, Cl 6alkyl, C1-6cycloalkyl, optionally substituted phenyl or an optionally substituted 5-7-membered heterocyclic ring containing 1 to 3 heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen or sulphur; R2 is hydrogen, halogen, Cl 6alkyl, C1-6alkoxy, nitro, trifluoromethyl or cyano; R3 is hydrogen, halogen, hydroxy, C1-6alkyl or C1-6alkoxy; R4 is hydrogen or C1.6alkyl; and n is 1 or 2, provided that when P is phenyl R1 is not pyridyl or phenyl. 2. A compound according to claim 1 in which P is phenyl, thienyl, furyl or pyridyl. 3. A compound according to claim 2 in which R1 is halogen, butyl, cyclohexyl, pyridyl, pyrazolyl, triazolyl, imidazolyl, morpholinyl, piperazinyl or thienyl. 4. A compound according to claim 2 or 3 in which R2 is hydrogen, C1,galkoxy, C1,6alkyl, or nitro 5. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 4 in which R3 is Cl,galkoxy. 6. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 5 in which R4 is Cl 6akyl. 7. A compound according to claim 1 which is: N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)furan-2-carboxamide, N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)furan-3-carboxamide, N-[4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1-piperazinyl)phenyl]-5-(4-pyridyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide, N- [4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl] -2-(4-pyridyl)pyridine-5-carboxamide, N- [4-methoxy-3-(4methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl] -2- (4-pyridyl)- 3-methoxythiophene-4- carboxamide, N- [4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl] -5 -(2-pyridyl)thiophene-2-carboxamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4(1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) benzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-(imidazol-1-yl) benzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenylf 4- (morpholin- 1 -yl) benzamide, N-(4Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-(3-thiophenyl)-3-methylbenzamide, N-(4-methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-(1,2,4-triazol-1 -yl)-3-nitrobenzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)phenyl)-3-nitro-4-pyrazolylbenzamide, or N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1-piperazinyl)phenyl)4(4-ethoxycarbonylpiperazin- 1 yl)benzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- -piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-fluorobenzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl > 4-chlorobenzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-iodobenzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4-methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-cyclohexylbenzamide, N-(4-Methoxy-3-(4methyl- 1 -piperazinyl)phenyl)-4-tert-butylbenzamide, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof. 8. A process for the preparation of a compound of formula (I) which comprises (a) reaction of a compound of formula (11): EMI26.1 in which R1, R2 and P are as defined in formula (I) and L is a leaving group, with a compound of formula (In): EMI26.2 in which R3, R4 and n are as defined in formula (I); (b) for compounds of formula (I) in which R1 is a phenyl or heterocyclic ring reaction of a compound of formula (IV): EMI27.1 in which R2, R3, R4, P and n are as defined in formula (I) and X is a leaving group with a nucleophile R1 where R1 is as defined in formula (I); or (c) reaction of a compound of formula (V): EMI27.2 in which R1, R2, R3, P and n are as defined in formula (I) with a compound of formula (VI): R4N(CH2CH2Hal)2 (VI) in which R4 is as defined in formula (I) and Hal is halogen, or (d) reaction of a compound of formula (VII): EMI27.3 (VII) in which R2, R3, R4, P and n are as defined in formula (I) and Y is halogen or a group -OS02CF3 with a compound of formula (Vm): R1B(OH)2 (VIII) in which R1 is as defined in formula (I), or (e) reaction of a compound of formula (IX): EMI28.1 (doc) in which R2, R3, R4, P and n are as defined in formula (I) with a compound of formula (x): : R1Y (X) in which R1 is as defined in formula (I) and Y is as defined in formula (VII), and optionally thereafter: converting a compound of formula (I) into another compound of formula (I) forming a pharmaceutically acceptable salt. 9. A compound according to any one of claims 1 to 7 for use in therapy. 10. A pharmaceutical composition which comprises a compound according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in association with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient.

Inventors: DUCKWORTH DAVID MALCOLM, JENKINS SARAH MARGARET, JENNINGS ANDREW JOHN, DUCKWORTH, DAVID, MALCOLM, JENKINS, SARAH, MARGARET, JENNINGS, ANDREW, JOHN
Applicants: DUCKWORTH DAVID MALCOLM, JENKINS SARAH MARGARET, JENNINGS ANDREW JOHN, SMITHKLINE BEECHAM PLC, DUCKWORTH, DAVID, MALCOLM, JENKINS, SARAH, MARGARET, JENNINGS, ANDREW, JOHN
Application year: 1994
Main classification: C07D295
IPC codes: A61K31, A61P43, C07D213, C07D231, C07D233, C07D249, C07D295, C07D333, C07D405, C07D409, C07D521